New Shankman & O’Neill Book, “My Grandma Lives in Florida," pays homage to the unique relationship between child and grandmother

Carlisle, MA – “My grandma lives in Florida/And that is where we go/When daddy says he cannot stand/Another inch of snow.” So begins My Grandma Lives in Florida, the latest children’s book by Shankman & O’Neill (author Ed Shankman and illustrator Dave O’Neill). According to publisher Phil Zuckerman, the book is an homage to the unique relationship between a boy and his grandmother and it is intended for children ages two to seven.

“Children, parents, educators and reviewers have loved all the Shankman and O’Neill books,” Zuckerman said. “And this one is sure to bring a smile to grandmothers and grandchildren everywhere.”

In My Grandma Lives in Florida,young readers join a child on his visit to his grandmother’s house in the Sunshine State. The book uses Seussian rhymes and rhythms, affectionate humor, and dazzling illustrations to present a child’s-eye view of the grandmother/grandson relationship. “When we go inside, grandma gives me a kiss/In fact, there’s no place on my face she will miss/I may wriggle and giggle and grumble and hiss/But only a grandma can kiss you like this.”

The book is also permeated by Florida’s sunny disposition. “That sun warms each beach it can reach/And rest assured, it reaches each/It shines on every manatee/From Tampa Bay to Longboat Key.”

The author and illustrator believe this fable will capture the hearts of children and grandmother’s everywhere. And Shankman says this story has special meaning for him.

“Both of my grandmothers, Mal and Sarah, were central figures in my life and had a major influence on me,” he said. They were two very different women but the single overriding factor in both relationships was that they loved me and I loved them.”

O’Neill added, “There’s a special bond between kids and their grandparents. It’s the warm hugs and the tiny little moments. It’s that secret little extra piece of candy, and knowing where they hide the treats. Your grandparents are basically your first best friends. It’s friendship and it’s unconditional love and homemade apple pie.”

At one point in the book, the young protagonist ponders the unique quality of his grandmother’s love and attention.

“And that makes her laugh, which I find quite confusing/I can’t always tell why she thinks I’m amusing/But this is the thing that makes grandmothers grand/They love you for reasons you can’t understand.”

“Anyone whose ever had a grandmother, or been one, will recognize the feelings in this book,” Zuckerman said. “It honors the special role that grandmothers play in our lives.”